RECAP: SoCal Hit by Christmas Eve Storm, Flash Flooding and Evacuations Reported

A powerful Christmas Eve storm fueled by an atmospheric river brought torrential rain to Southern California on Wednesday, December 24, triggering widespread flash flooding, debris flows, and mudslide risks. Evacuation and shelter-in-place orders were issued in several areas, including Wrightwood, where Highway 2 was washed out and fire crews assisted affected homes. Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency, and residents were urged to avoid travel.

FBI Building Permanent Closure - Washington

FBI Building Permanent Closure - Washington

The FBI’s main headquarters , the J. Edgar Hoover Building is seen in Washington DC, on December 28, 2025. FBI Director Kash Patel announced on Saturday the permanent closure of the FBI headquarters in Washington DC. Photo by Olivier Douliery/ABACAPRESS.COM

FBI Building Permanent Closure - Washington

FBI Building Permanent Closure - Washington

The FBI’s main headquarters , the J. Edgar Hoover Building is seen in Washington DC, on December 28, 2025. FBI Director Kash Patel announced on Saturday the permanent closure of the FBI headquarters in Washington DC. Photo by Olivier Douliery/ABACAPRESS.COM

FBI Building Permanent Closure - Washington

FBI Building Permanent Closure - Washington

The FBI’s main headquarters , the J. Edgar Hoover Building is seen in Washington DC, on December 28, 2025. FBI Director Kash Patel announced on Saturday the permanent closure of the FBI headquarters in Washington DC. Photo by Olivier Douliery/ABACAPRESS.COM

FBI Building Permanent Closure - Washington

FBI Building Permanent Closure - Washington

The FBI’s main headquarters , the J. Edgar Hoover Building is seen in Washington DC, on December 28, 2025. FBI Director Kash Patel announced on Saturday the permanent closure of the FBI headquarters in Washington DC. Photo by Olivier Douliery/ABACAPRESS.COM

FBI Building Permanent Closure - Washington

FBI Building Permanent Closure - Washington

The FBI’s main headquarters , the J. Edgar Hoover Building is seen in Washington DC, on December 28, 2025. FBI Director Kash Patel announced on Saturday the permanent closure of the FBI headquarters in Washington DC. Photo by Olivier Douliery/ABACAPRESS.COM

FBI Building Permanent Closure - Washington

FBI Building Permanent Closure - Washington

The FBI’s main headquarters , the J. Edgar Hoover Building is seen in Washington DC, on December 28, 2025. FBI Director Kash Patel announced on Saturday the permanent closure of the FBI headquarters in Washington DC. Photo by Olivier Douliery/ABACAPRESS.COM

FBI Building Permanent Closure - Washington

FBI Building Permanent Closure - Washington

The FBI’s main headquarters , the J. Edgar Hoover Building is seen in Washington DC, on December 28, 2025. FBI Director Kash Patel announced on Saturday the permanent closure of the FBI headquarters in Washington DC. Photo by Olivier Douliery/ABACAPRESS.COM

FBI Building Permanent Closure - Washington

FBI Building Permanent Closure - Washington

The FBI’s main headquarters , the J. Edgar Hoover Building is seen in Washington DC, on December 28, 2025. FBI Director Kash Patel announced on Saturday the permanent closure of the FBI headquarters in Washington DC. Photo by Olivier Douliery/ABACAPRESS.COM

FBI Building Permanent Closure - Washington

FBI Building Permanent Closure - Washington

The FBI’s main headquarters , the J. Edgar Hoover Building is seen in Washington DC, on December 28, 2025. FBI Director Kash Patel announced on Saturday the permanent closure of the FBI headquarters in Washington DC. Photo by Olivier Douliery/ABACAPRESS.COM

FBI Building Permanent Closure - Washington

FBI Building Permanent Closure - Washington

The FBI’s main headquarters , the J. Edgar Hoover Building is seen in Washington DC, on December 28, 2025. FBI Director Kash Patel announced on Saturday the permanent closure of the FBI headquarters in Washington DC. Photo by Olivier Douliery/ABACAPRESS.COM

FBI Building Permanent Closure - Washington

FBI Building Permanent Closure - Washington

The FBI’s main headquarters , the J. Edgar Hoover Building is seen in Washington DC, on December 28, 2025. FBI Director Kash Patel announced on Saturday the permanent closure of the FBI headquarters in Washington DC. Photo by Olivier Douliery/ABACAPRESS.COM

FBI Building Permanent Closure - Washington

FBI Building Permanent Closure - Washington

The FBI’s main headquarters , the J. Edgar Hoover Building is seen in Washington DC, on December 28, 2025. FBI Director Kash Patel announced on Saturday the permanent closure of the FBI headquarters in Washington DC. Photo by Olivier Douliery/ABACAPRESS.COM

FBI Building Permanent Closure - Washington

FBI Building Permanent Closure - Washington

The FBI’s main headquarters , the J. Edgar Hoover Building is seen in Washington DC, on December 28, 2025. FBI Director Kash Patel announced on Saturday the permanent closure of the FBI headquarters in Washington DC. Photo by Olivier Douliery/ABACAPRESS.COM

FBI Building Permanent Closure - Washington

FBI Building Permanent Closure - Washington

The FBI’s main headquarters , the J. Edgar Hoover Building is seen in Washington DC, on December 28, 2025. FBI Director Kash Patel announced on Saturday the permanent closure of the FBI headquarters in Washington DC. Photo by Olivier Douliery/ABACAPRESS.COM

FBI Building Permanent Closure - Washington

FBI Building Permanent Closure - Washington

The FBI’s main headquarters , the J. Edgar Hoover Building is seen in Washington DC, on December 28, 2025. FBI Director Kash Patel announced on Saturday the permanent closure of the FBI headquarters in Washington DC. Photo by Olivier Douliery/ABACAPRESS.COM

US: Wrightwood Hit by Flooding and Debris Flows Amid Christmas Eve Storm 3

Heavy rains from a powerful Christmas Eve storm caused flooding and multiple debris flows in Wrightwood, San Bernardino County, California, prompting shelter-in-place and evacuation warnings. Highway 2 is washed out, and fire crews are assisting affected homes. The storm is expected to continue through Christmas, with up to 14 inches of rain in nearby mountains, and residents are urged to avoid travel.

US: Wrightwood Hit by Flooding and Debris Flows Amid Christmas Eve Storm 2

Heavy rains from a powerful Christmas Eve storm caused flooding and multiple debris flows in Wrightwood, California, prompting shelter-in-place and evacuation warnings. Highway 2 is washed out, and fire crews are assisting affected homes. The storm is expected to continue through Christmas, with up to 14 inches of rain in nearby mountains, and residents are urged to avoid travel.

US: Wrightwood Hit by Flooding and Debris Flows Amid Christmas Eve Storm

Heavy rains from a powerful Christmas Eve storm caused flooding and multiple debris flows in Wrightwood, California, prompting shelter-in-place and evacuation warnings. Highway 2 is washed out, and fire crews are assisting affected homes. The storm is expected to continue through Christmas, with up to 14 inches of rain in nearby mountains, and residents are urged to avoid travel.

Argentina: Flash Flooding Paralyzes Buenos Aires After Intense Storm

A sudden and violent storm struck Buenos Aires and the surrounding metropolitan area on Tuesday afternoon, December 23, triggering severe flash flooding after a day of extreme heat. Up to 80 millimeters of rain fell in under an hour in some areas, submerging cars, flooding streets, and paralyzing major routes including the Pan-American Highway and General Paz Avenue. At least 30 people were rescued from trapped vehicles, while emergency services received hundreds of calls. The Unicenter shopping mall in Martínez was evacuated as images of the flooding spread rapidly on social media.

Argentina: Flash Flooding Paralyzes Buenos Aires After Intense Storm 2

A sudden and violent storm struck Buenos Aires and the surrounding metropolitan area on Tuesday afternoon, December 23, triggering severe flash flooding after a day of extreme heat. Up to 80 millimeters of rain fell in under an hour in some areas, submerging cars, flooding streets, and paralyzing major routes including the Pan-American Highway and General Paz Avenue. At least 30 people were rescued from trapped vehicles, while emergency services received hundreds of calls. The Unicenter shopping mall in Martínez was evacuated as images of the flooding spread rapidly on social media.

RECAP: Northern California Flooding Kills One, Triggers Rescues and Evacuations

Heavy rain and repeated atmospheric rivers triggered widespread flooding across Northern California over the weekend, killing one person in Redding and prompting rescues and evacuations across the region. Rising rivers and overflowing creeks inundated communities, stranding vehicles and forcing swift-water rescues. In Placer County, emergency crews rescued a baby in a carrier and nine people after the South Yuba River overtook a home. Flooding also impacted Mendocino and Humboldt counties, where roads turned into rivers of muddy water and animals were left stranded. Authorities urged residents to avoid travel and warned motorists not to cross flooded roadways.

Israel: Heavy Rain Causes Flash Floods in Netanya After Intense Cloudburst

An intense cloudburst triggered flash floods along Israel’s central coast on Tuesday, December 23, dumping over 40 millimeters of rain on Netanya in about one hour. The heavy rainfall inundated city streets and forced the temporary closure of several lanes on the highway.

US: Heavy Rain Triggers Deadly Flooding in Redding, California 4

Severe flooding triggered by heavy rain killed one person in Redding, California on Sunday, December 21, as repeated atmospheric rivers inundated Northern California. Flooded roads stranded vehicles, caused power outages, and prompted water rescues, while officials urged residents to avoid travel amid rapidly rising water levels and flood watches affecting millions statewide.

US: Heavy Rain Triggers Deadly Flooding in Redding, California 3

Severe flooding triggered by heavy rain killed one person in Redding, California on Sunday, December 21, as repeated atmospheric rivers inundated Northern California. Flooded roads stranded vehicles, caused power outages, and prompted water rescues, while officials urged residents to avoid travel amid rapidly rising water levels and flood watches affecting millions statewide.

US: Heavy Rain Triggers Deadly Flooding in Redding, California 2

Severe flooding triggered by heavy rain killed one person in Redding, California on Sunday, December 21, as repeated atmospheric rivers inundated Northern California. Flooded roads stranded vehicles, caused power outages, and prompted water rescues, while officials urged residents to avoid travel amid rapidly rising water levels and flood watches affecting millions statewide.

US: Heavy Rain Triggers Deadly Flooding in Redding, California

Severe flooding triggered by heavy rain killed one person in Redding, California on Sunday, December 21, as repeated atmospheric rivers inundated Northern California. Flooded roads stranded vehicles, caused power outages, and prompted water rescues, while officials urged residents to avoid travel amid rapidly rising water levels and flood watches affecting millions statewide.

Spain: Storm Emilia Causes Severe Flooding in Badalona

Storm Emilia brought heavy rains to Catalonia, causing severe flooding and leaving stranded vehicles in Badalona. The heavy rain also led to the closure of the metro station, and two storm-related deaths were reported in Murcia and A Coruña.

Canada: Abbotsford Declares Emergency as Atmospheric River Causes Severe Flooding in B.C.

An atmospheric river swept across southern B.C., leading Abbotsford to declare a state of local emergency as hundreds of properties were put on evacuation order. Flooding continued to affect parts of the area, on Friday, December 12, prompting expanded evacuation orders, school closures, the closure of a key stretch of Highway 1.

US: Small Plane Makes Emergency Landing on Interstate, Hits Car in Florida

A small plane with two people onboard made an emergency landing on I-95 near Cocoa on Monday evening, December 8, striking a Toyota Camry. The car’s 57-year-old driver suffered minor injuries, while the pilot and passenger were uninjured. Lanes were briefly closed but later reopened. The FAA is investigating, and the pilot had reported engine trouble before landing.

Aftermath of strong quake in northeastern Japan

Aftermath of strong quake in northeastern Japan

Photo taken in the early hours of Dec. 9, 2025, shows expressway signage in Chitose, Hokkaido, informing drivers of a road closure following a powerful earthquake.

Aftermath of strong quake in northeastern Japan

Aftermath of strong quake in northeastern Japan

Photo taken in the early hours of Dec. 9, 2025, shows expressway signage in Chitose, Hokkaido, informing drivers of a road closure following a powerful earthquake.

Al Azhar University in Gaza Reopens Dentistry Faculty - Palestine

Al Azhar University in Gaza Reopens Dentistry Faculty - Palestine

Dental students in lab coats sit in a class as an instructor gives a lecture in Al-Azhar University in Gaza City, Gaza, on December 4, 2025. The university reopened its dentistry faculty after a two-year closure caused by the war in Gaza. Around 1,000 students have returned for in-person classes in partially restored labs. More than 12,000 others continue their studies online through the Moodle platform despite unstable internet and power outages. Photo by Doaa Albaz/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Al Azhar University in Gaza Reopens Dentistry Faculty - Palestine

Al Azhar University in Gaza Reopens Dentistry Faculty - Palestine

Dental students in lab coats sit in a class as an instructor gives a lecture in Al-Azhar University in Gaza City, Gaza, on December 4, 2025. The university reopened its dentistry faculty after a two-year closure caused by the war in Gaza. Around 1,000 students have returned for in-person classes in partially restored labs. More than 12,000 others continue their studies online through the Moodle platform despite unstable internet and power outages. Photo by Doaa Albaz/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Al Azhar University in Gaza Reopens Dentistry Faculty - Palestine

Al Azhar University in Gaza Reopens Dentistry Faculty - Palestine

Students in lab coats pose for a photo in the courtyard of Al-Azhar University in Gaza City, Gaza, on December 4, 2025. The university reopened its dentistry faculty after a two-year closure caused by the war in Gaza. Around 1,000 students have returned for in-person classes in partially restored labs. More than 12,000 others continue their studies online through the Moodle platform despite unstable internet and power outages. Photo by Doaa Albaz/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Al Azhar University in Gaza Reopens Dentistry Faculty - Palestine

Al Azhar University in Gaza Reopens Dentistry Faculty - Palestine

Students in lab coats take photos in the courtyard of Al-Azhar University in Gaza City, Gaza, on December 4, 2025. The university reopened its dentistry faculty after a two-year closure caused by the war in Gaza. Around 1,000 students have returned for in-person classes in partially restored labs. More than 12,000 others continue their studies online through the Moodle platform despite unstable internet and power outages. Photo by Doaa Albaz/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Al Azhar University in Gaza Reopens Dentistry Faculty - Palestine

Al Azhar University in Gaza Reopens Dentistry Faculty - Palestine

Students in lab coats take photos as others spend time in the courtyard of Al-Azhar University in Gaza City, Gaza, on December 4, 2025. The university reopened its dentistry faculty after a two-year closure caused by the war in Gaza. Around 1,000 students have returned for in-person classes in partially restored labs. More than 12,000 others continue their studies online through the Moodle platform despite unstable internet and power outages. Photo by Doaa Albaz/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Al Azhar University in Gaza Reopens Dentistry Faculty - Palestine

Al Azhar University in Gaza Reopens Dentistry Faculty - Palestine

Students in lab coats take selfies in the courtyard of Al-Azhar University in Gaza City, Gaza, on December 4, 2025. The university reopened its dentistry faculty after a two-year closure caused by the war in Gaza. Around 1,000 students have returned for in-person classes in partially restored labs. More than 12,000 others continue their studies online through the Moodle platform despite unstable internet and power outages. Photo by Doaa Albaz/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Al Azhar University in Gaza Reopens Dentistry Faculty - Palestine

Al Azhar University in Gaza Reopens Dentistry Faculty - Palestine

Dental students in lab coats sit in a class as an instructor gives a lecture in Al-Azhar University in Gaza City, Gaza, on December 4, 2025. The university reopened its dentistry faculty after a two-year closure caused by the war in Gaza. Around 1,000 students have returned for in-person classes in partially restored labs. More than 12,000 others continue their studies online through the Moodle platform despite unstable internet and power outages. Photo by Doaa Albaz/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Al Azhar University in Gaza Reopens Dentistry Faculty - Palestine

Al Azhar University in Gaza Reopens Dentistry Faculty - Palestine

Students spend time in the courtyard of Al-Azhar University in Gaza City, Gaza, on December 4, 2025. The university reopened its dentistry faculty after a two-year closure caused by the war in Gaza. Around 1,000 students have returned for in-person classes in partially restored labs. More than 12,000 others continue their studies online through the Moodle platform despite unstable internet and power outages. Photo by Doaa Albaz/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Al Azhar University in Gaza Reopens Dentistry Faculty - Palestine

Al Azhar University in Gaza Reopens Dentistry Faculty - Palestine

Dental students stand around a patient in a dental chair at Al-Azhar University in Gaza City, Gaza, on December 4, 2025. The university reopened its dentistry faculty after a two-year closure caused by the war in Gaza. Around 1,000 students have returned for in-person classes in partially restored labs. More than 12,000 others continue their studies online through the Moodle platform despite unstable internet and power outages. Photo by Doaa Albaz/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Al Azhar University in Gaza Reopens Dentistry Faculty - Palestine

Al Azhar University in Gaza Reopens Dentistry Faculty - Palestine

Students in lab coats spend time in the courtyard of Al-Azhar University in Gaza City, Gaza, on December 4, 2025. The university reopened its dentistry faculty after a two-year closure caused by the war in Gaza. Around 1,000 students have returned for in-person classes in partially restored labs. More than 12,000 others continue their studies online through the Moodle platform despite unstable internet and power outages. Photo by Doaa Albaz/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Al Azhar University in Gaza Reopens Dentistry Faculty - Palestine

Al Azhar University in Gaza Reopens Dentistry Faculty - Palestine

Dental students gather around an instructor using dental equipment in a lab at Al-Azhar University in Gaza City, Gaza, on December 4, 2025. The university reopened its dentistry faculty after a two-year closure caused by the war in Gaza. Around 1,000 students have returned for in-person classes in partially restored labs. More than 12,000 others continue their studies online through the Moodle platform despite unstable internet and power outages. Photo by Doaa Albaz/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Al Azhar University in Gaza Reopens Dentistry Faculty - Palestine

Al Azhar University in Gaza Reopens Dentistry Faculty - Palestine

Dental students gather around an instructor using dental equipment in a lab at Al-Azhar University in Gaza City, Gaza, on December 4, 2025. The university reopened its dentistry faculty after a two-year closure caused by the war in Gaza. Around 1,000 students have returned for in-person classes in partially restored labs. More than 12,000 others continue their studies online through the Moodle platform despite unstable internet and power outages. Photo by Doaa Albaz/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Al Azhar University in Gaza Reopens Dentistry Faculty - Palestine

Al Azhar University in Gaza Reopens Dentistry Faculty - Palestine

Dental students work with dental equipment in a lab at Al-Azhar University in Gaza City, Gaza, on December 4, 2025. The university reopened its dentistry faculty after a two-year closure caused by the war in Gaza. Around 1,000 students have returned for in-person classes in partially restored labs. More than 12,000 others continue their studies online through the Moodle platform despite unstable internet and power outages. Photo by Doaa Albaz/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Al Azhar University in Gaza Reopens Dentistry Faculty - Palestine

Al Azhar University in Gaza Reopens Dentistry Faculty - Palestine

Dental students work with dental equipment in a lab at Al-Azhar University in Gaza City, Gaza, on December 4, 2025. The university reopened its dentistry faculty after a two-year closure caused by the war in Gaza. Around 1,000 students have returned for in-person classes in partially restored labs. More than 12,000 others continue their studies online through the Moodle platform despite unstable internet and power outages. Photo by Doaa Albaz/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Al Azhar University in Gaza Reopens Dentistry Faculty - Palestine

Al Azhar University in Gaza Reopens Dentistry Faculty - Palestine

Dental students work with dental equipment in a lab at Al-Azhar University in Gaza City, Gaza, on December 4, 2025. The university reopened its dentistry faculty after a two-year closure caused by the war in Gaza. Around 1,000 students have returned for in-person classes in partially restored labs. More than 12,000 others continue their studies online through the Moodle platform despite unstable internet and power outages. Photo by Doaa Albaz/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Al Azhar University in Gaza Reopens Dentistry Faculty - Palestine

Al Azhar University in Gaza Reopens Dentistry Faculty - Palestine

Dental students gather around an instructor using dental equipment in a lab at Al-Azhar University in Gaza City, Gaza, on December 4, 2025. The university reopened its dentistry faculty after a two-year closure caused by the war in Gaza. Around 1,000 students have returned for in-person classes in partially restored labs. More than 12,000 others continue their studies online through the Moodle platform despite unstable internet and power outages. Photo by Doaa Albaz/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Spain: Snow, Fog and Freezing Temps Hit Sierra de Madrid

Snowfall continued across the Sierra de Madrid on Wednesday, December 3, with Aemet maintaining a yellow alert for up to 5 cm of snow above 1,100 meters. Cloudy skies, fog, and light morning showers were reported, while temperatures stayed near freezing in higher areas.

India: Cyclone Ditwah Remnants Trigger Major Flooding in Tamil Nadu

Heavy rains from the remnants of Cyclone Ditwah continued for a third consecutive day on Wednesday, December 3, pounding parts of north Tamil Nadu—especially Chennai and Tiruvallur—and causing severe flooding.